LU|ZONE|UL Community: Electronic Theses of Laurentian UniversityElectronic Theses of Laurentian Universityhttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/4772015-03-03T22:39:05Z2015-03-03T22:39:05ZHuman development focusing on access to health care of South Asian immigrants living in the Greater Toronto area (GTA)Islam, S. M. Tariqulhttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22922014-12-17T16:33:18Z2014-12-17T00:00:00ZTitle: Human development focusing on access to health care of South Asian immigrants living in the Greater Toronto area (GTA)
Authors: Islam, S. M. Tariqul
Abstract: Immigrant populations enter Canada hoping for a better quality of life and usually with higher health status because of the Canadian immigration process which screens out those who have health problems. However, after living in Canada for a time, visible minority immigrants experience barriers/challenges to accessing health care and their health declines. Visible minority immigrants are more likely to reach their full potential when they have equal and appropriate access to health-care opportunities in their host society. The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges/barriers South Asian immigrants face in accessing the appropriate health-care opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) needed for maximizing their human development. Using the convenience sampling technique, a sample of 307 self-administered survey questionnaires and five focus groups of South Asian immigrants living in the GTA were collected. To analyze and measure human development, this research used Amartya Sen's capability and freedom approach that considers human development as a process of expanding people’s choices and opportunities which could enhance their capabilities and freedoms for their quality of life and human development. Access to health care is one of the significant components contributing directly to that quality of life. Using the SPSS software, this research tested the hypotheses, conducted cross-tabulation, chi-square tests and Cramer’s V; the results show that there are statistically significant associations between South Asian immigrants' self-rated health before and after coming to Canada; between self-rated health and access barriers; and between access barriers and capabilities and freedom variables. The results also show that South Asian immigrants’ self-rated health declined after living some time in Canada because of the barriers/challenges to accessing health-care opportunities in the GTA. The study also confirmed that access to health care challenges/barriers is limiting the South Asian immigrants’ growth of capabilities and freedoms and quality of life. For good quality of life and building of capabilities they need access to culturally appropriate health-care services.2014-12-17T00:00:00ZUse of Computer Interface Usability Testing to Evaluate the Success of Science Communication Website Artifacts.Boulay, Alain J.http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22902014-12-02T15:38:18Z2014-12-02T00:00:00ZTitle: Use of Computer Interface Usability Testing to Evaluate the Success of Science Communication Website Artifacts.
Authors: Boulay, Alain J.2014-12-02T00:00:00ZThe use of mechanical redundancy for fault detection in non-stationary machineryElMaghraby, Mohamed H.http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22772014-11-14T17:07:36Z2014-11-14T00:00:00ZTitle: The use of mechanical redundancy for fault detection in non-stationary machinery
Authors: ElMaghraby, Mohamed H.
Abstract: The classical approach to machinery fault detection is one where a machinery’s condition is constantly compared to an established baseline with deviations indicating the occurrence of a
fault. With the absence of a well-established baseline, fault detection for variable duty machinery
requires the use of complex machine learning and signal processing tools. These tools require extensive data collection and expert knowledge which limits their use for industrial applications.
The thesis at hand investigates the problem of fault detection for a specific class of variable duty machinery; parallel machines with simultaneously loaded subsystems. As an industrial case study, the parallel drive stations of a novel material haulage system have been instrumented to confirm the mechanical response similarity between simultaneously loaded machines. Using a
table-top fault simulator, a preliminary statistical algorithm was then developed for fault detection in bearings under non-stationary operation. Unlike other state of the art fault detection
techniques used in monitoring variable duty machinery, the proposed algorithm avoided the need for complex machine learning tools and required no previous training.
The limitations of the initial experimental setup necessitated the development of a new
machinery fault simulator to expand the investigation to include transmission systems. The design, manufacturing and setup of the various subsystems within the new simulator are covered in this manuscript including the mechanical, hydraulic and control subsystems. To ensure that
the new simulator has successfully met its design objectives, extensive data collection and analysis has been completed and is presented in this thesis.
The results confirmed that the developed machine truly represents the operation of a
simultaneously loaded machine and as such would serve as a research tool for investigating the application of classical fault detection techniques to parallel machines in non-stationary operation.2014-11-14T00:00:00ZTHE CENTRAL TENDENCY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES, QUANTUM FLUCTUATIONS, AND THE HUMAN BRAINVares, David A. E.http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22532014-10-01T19:52:08Z2014-09-25T00:00:00ZTitle: THE CENTRAL TENDENCY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES, QUANTUM FLUCTUATIONS, AND THE HUMAN BRAIN
Authors: Vares, David A. E.
Abstract: Physical phenomena occur within a complex manifold of interactions from small scale quantum to large scale energies. These random interactions appear to conform to the central limit theorem, however prediction of these events suggest a non-local factor is typically involved. Data were compiled from a random number generator that utilizes quantum electron tunneling, a photomultiplier tube measuring background photon emissions (~10-11 W/m2), earthquakes recorded by USGS Advanced National Seismic System, and from a database of human electroencephalographic recordings. The data indicated temporal and spatial relationships, suggesting the causality of physical phenomena and the associated entropy conforms to the central limit theorem by means of variable distribution of occurrence.2014-09-25T00:00:00ZExamining the Distribution of Ketamine and Metabolites in Decomposed Skeletal Tissues: Development of a High Throughput Approach and Application to an Environmental and Decomposition StudyCornthwaite, Heatherhttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22272014-08-11T14:55:35Z2014-08-07T00:00:00ZTitle: Examining the Distribution of Ketamine and Metabolites in Decomposed Skeletal Tissues: Development of a High Throughput Approach and Application to an Environmental and Decomposition Study
Authors: Cornthwaite, Heather
Abstract: The use of skeletal tissues in forensic toxicology research has increased dramatically in the last 5 years. These studies have yielded valuable information pertinent to using skeletal tissues as a biological matrix in drug analysis. The majority of these studies have been completed on a small scale so a larger scale is needed for further research. Here, a high throughput microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and microplate solid phase extraction (MPSPE) protocol is developed and implemented to examine how body position and microclimate affect ketamine and metabolite distribution in decomposed skeletal tissue. Analytes were successful recovered in 30 min following MAE compared to 180 min for passive solvent extraction (PSE). Body proved to be significantly different in the observed drug levels at both microclimates. The sunlit microclimate had significantly higher drug levels, with less maggot activity, compared to the shaded microclimate.2014-08-07T00:00:00ZThe Emergence of Ontario Microbreweries: A Socio-Historical AnalysisRoche, Kevin Jameshttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22242014-07-07T13:30:50Z2014-07-02T00:00:00ZTitle: The Emergence of Ontario Microbreweries: A Socio-Historical Analysis
Authors: Roche, Kevin James
Abstract: Since the 1980s microbreweries in Ontario have gained in popularity, winning over
beer drinkers in the province and earning the support of the provincial government that funds
the expansion of this creative industry. The Emergence of Ontario Microbreweries, adopting
the theoretical perspectives of Margaret Archer and Michel Foucault, looks at the factors
explaining the emergence of the craft beer industry. Through the morphogenetic approach,
which sees enablements take shape through entrepreneurial pursuits, and disenablements
through Foucauldian disciplinary processes, we observe that Ontario microbreweries were
constrained by strict government laws. Enforced by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario
(LCBO), these laws acted upon the individuals and their ability to consume alcohol both
privately and publicly. Over time, the strict governmental regimes which constrained beer
drinkers and micro-brewed beer producers gradually transformed to allow for the expansion
of microbreweries that create unique, distinct and authentic products that have specific
geographic links to community.2014-07-02T00:00:00ZL’IMPACT DES NORMATIVITÉS ORGANISATIONNELLES ET PROFESSIONNELLES SUR LA SANTÉ PSYCHIQUE DES TRAVAILLEURS SOCIAUX : ENJEUX POUR LA PRATIQUE DU TRAVAIL SOCIALRichard, Stéphanehttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/22232014-11-28T19:54:31Z2014-07-02T00:00:00ZTitle: L’IMPACT DES NORMATIVITÉS ORGANISATIONNELLES ET PROFESSIONNELLES SUR LA SANTÉ PSYCHIQUE DES TRAVAILLEURS SOCIAUX : ENJEUX POUR LA PRATIQUE DU TRAVAIL SOCIAL
Authors: Richard, Stéphane
Abstract: Dans le but de mesurer l’impact des normativités organisationnelles et professionnelles sur la santé psychique des travailleurs sociaux, avons été amené à vérifier la validité de plusieurs sources théoriques et empiriques servant à décrire les causes structuro-organisationnelles de la souffrance psychique, les répercussions qui découlent des conditions de travail difficiles, voire les moyens auxquels les travailleurs sociaux ont recours pour y faire face. Travailler comme nous l’avons fait sur la relation entre l’organisation du travail et la santé psychique de professionnels du secteur de la santé et des services sociaux nous a permis d’identifier et de mettre à l’épreuve des constructions discursives communément admises en matière de souffrance au travail. En effet, depuis la reconfiguration de l’action publique amorcée par la nouvelle gestion publique à la fin des années 1980, la recension des écrits en Europe et en Amérique du Nord sur le sujet établit des liens entre la managérialisation des services de santé et des services sociaux et l’émergence de déterminants structuro-organisationnels capables d’interpeller à des degrés variables les travailleurs sociaux sur ce qu’ils font, sur ce qui a de l’importance pour eux, sur les responsabilités et les obligations qui sont les leurs dans leur travail, voire sur les activités professionnelles qu’ils veulent offrir dans leur travail. En fournissant un type d’analyse qui propose un point d’ancrage axé sur les normativités en collision et qui sont susceptibles de produire de la souffrance psychique chez les professionnels, nous avons pu remettre en question cet imposant présupposé théorique voulant qu’à cause de conditions de travail dites difficiles, l’exercice de la profession est marquée par la souffrance chez tous les professionnels, pour les mêmes motifs, et en même temps. Grâce à la participation de 1188 travailleurs sociaux en provenance du Québec ou de l’Ontario, les résultats de cette recherche permettront d’alimenter
iv
les débats en matière de souffrance au travail et, surtout, de faire ressortir l’importance de la prise en compte des enjeux normatifs qui préoccupent les professionnels dans l’exercice de leur fonction au sein des organismes du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux. Dont celui qui réclame de ces derniers une attention particulière : la façon qu’ils ont ou auront de s’approprier les objectifs visés dans leurs interventions et les conditions du rapport qu’ils veulent instaurer avec celles et ceux qui font appel à eux pour atteindre un mieux-être, avec les organisations et la société.2014-07-02T00:00:00ZWalking Recovery Talk : Mental Health Organizational ChangeQuenneville, Brendahttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/21802014-06-09T12:58:45Z2014-03-31T00:00:00ZTitle: Walking Recovery Talk : Mental Health Organizational Change
Authors: Quenneville, Brenda
Abstract: The full experience of mental illness cannot be described in isolation from the context in which one lives, yet the internal physical manifestation of symptoms has been the focus of treatment in western cultures. The “recovery” paradigm is emerging as best-practice philosophy for mental health practice and represents a significant departure from existing standards thereby challenging mental health organizations to re-negotiate their relationship with the dominant bio-medical model. Despite the growing acceptance of recovery philosophy, literature exploring large-scale recovery-oriented organizational change is sparse. The purpose of this research was twofold; 1) to outline the steps taken by change agents within an organization embarking on recovery organizational change, and 2) to understand the experience, including successes and challenges associated with change. The qualitative data obtained from interviewing seventeen participants revealed the impact of organizational contextual factors, leadership and communication on recovery organizational change. Further, the data exposed the complexity of challenging preconceptions and practice when trying to adopt recovery approaches. The findings may guide other community based mental health organizations in their recovery journey.2014-03-31T00:00:00ZThe Long Road Ahead: Understanding Road-related Threats to Reptiles and Testing if Current Mitigation Measures are Effective at Minimizing ImpactsBaxter-Gilbert, James Hhttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/21372014-03-19T15:38:30Z2014-03-17T00:00:00ZTitle: The Long Road Ahead: Understanding Road-related Threats to Reptiles and Testing if Current Mitigation Measures are Effective at Minimizing Impacts
Authors: Baxter-Gilbert, James H
Abstract: Reptile populations are suffering substantial global losses and roads are identified as one of the leading threats to their persistence. Currently, efforts to mitigate this threat are being implemented with various levels of success. I studied the effectiveness of exclusion structures (i.e., fencing) at preventing reptiles from gaining access to the road, and reducing road mortality. I also examined if population connectivity structures (i.e., ecopassages) were effective at reducing habitat and population fragmentation and allowing individuals to access habitats, resources, and mates on both sides of a major road (4 lane highway). I found that the fence was ineffective at preventing reptiles from gaining access to the road; however, reptiles were observed using the ecopassages to cross the road. Behavioural trials testing painted turtles’ (Chrysemys picta) willingness to use an ecopassage demonstrated that refusal was twice more likely than use of an ecopassage. I also examined the potential for roads to pose a physiological threat to roadside populations of reptiles by examining corticosterone (CORT), a stress hormone linked to negative health effects in cases of elevated levels over the long-term. To assess if individuals living near a major road had higher CORT levels than individuals from a less impacted population, I developed a novel means of measuring CORT from painted turtle claws in partnership with Dr. Gabriela Mastromonaco (Toronto Zoo). With long-term CORT levels considered as a proxy for chronic physiological stress, I did not find evidence that populations near roads had altered stress levels. However, this seminal study will provide the framework for further examination of more species, including species-at-risk, and a better understanding of effects of anthropogenic environments on wildlife health. As road ecologists strive to expand our understanding of the threats roads pose to reptiles, it is important that this field spans multiple disciplines, so that we can both understand the direct and indirect threats that roads cause and develop effective mitigation that preserves biodiversity within our anthropogenic landscape.2014-03-17T00:00:00ZCHARACTERISTICS OF DIAGENETIC FLUIDS AFFECTING TWO MAJOR CARBONATE UNITS ON VICTORIA ISLAND, NORTHWEST TERRITORIESMathieu, Jordan-Paulhttp://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/21342014-07-31T02:01:10Z2014-03-17T00:00:00ZTitle: CHARACTERISTICS OF DIAGENETIC FLUIDS AFFECTING TWO MAJOR CARBONATE UNITS ON VICTORIA ISLAND, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Authors: Mathieu, Jordan-Paul
Abstract: Diagenetic histories of Proterozoic and Paleozoic carbonate strata on Victoria Island, in the Canadian arctic, are poorly understood, and their potential to be associated with base metals or petroleum is unknown. Using fluid inclusion and geochemical techniques, it was determined that the diagenetic fluid compositions of two major carbonate units, the Wynniatt Formation and the “Victoria Island formation”, were largely controlled by fluid-rock reactions in reservoirs and by mixing of multiple fluids. Diagenesis of the Wynniatt Formation resulted from the progression from a shale-dominant fluid mixture to a meteoric-dominant mixture. Fluid composition of “Victoria Island formation” was a shale-dominant mixture. A change in fluid:rock from low to high was recorded during diagenesis of both units. Metals and hydrocarbons transported to the study sites were ac-quired by the fluids during interaction with the respective source reservoirs. Mixing of diagenetic fluids follows the established ‘mixing model’ used to explain many other min-eralised locations. The diagenetic fluids that affected the strata in this study were compa-rable to those that produced the Polaris Zn-Pb deposit. This similarity suggests that there is potential for mineralisation on Victoria Island.2014-03-17T00:00:00Z